Guasha (刮痧) is a traditional therapy that involves scraping along the meridians (经络) and specific acupuncture points (穴位) or certain areas of the skin. Through beneficial stimulation, it causes local congestion, improving microcirculation. It can expel pathogenic factors, dispel wind and cold, clear heat and dampness, invigorate blood circulation, relieve pain, and enhance the body’s potential resistance to diseases and immune function. This achieves the effects of strengthening the body and expelling pathogens, treating and preventing diseases. Guasha is particularly effective for colds, especially in alleviating symptoms such as fever, nasal congestion, sore throat, and headaches.
The duration of guasha should be about 2 to 3 minutes per area, scraping until the skin appears slightly red and purplish.The pressure applied during guasha should be moderate; too light will have no effect, while too heavy may injure the skin. It is advisable to scrape until a slight pain is felt in the area being treated.
1. Invigorating Blood and Resolving Stasis. Guasha can regulate muscle contraction and relaxation, adjusting interstitial pressure to promote blood circulation around the scraped tissues, thereby invigorating blood flow and resolving stasis. 2. Balancing Yin and Yang. Guasha has a significant effect on adjusting the balance of internal organ functions. For example, in cases of hyperactive intestinal peristalsis, applying guasha techniques on the abdomen and back can help suppress the hyperactivity and restore normal function. Conversely, for those with reduced intestinal motility, it can promote the restoration of normal peristalsis. Guasha can improve and adjust organ functions, achieving a balance of Yin and Yang. 3. Detoxification. The process of guasha can lead to significant local congestion, stimulating blood vessels and nerves, causing vasodilation and increased blood flow. This enhances phagocytic activity and transport capacity, accelerating the elimination of waste and toxins from the body, nourishing tissue cells, purifying the blood, and increasing overall resistance, which can alleviate conditions and promote recovery. 4. Dispelling Cold and Dampness, Treating Colds. Due to its simplicity, convenience, low cost, and effectiveness, guasha is widely used in clinical practice and suitable for home healthcare. Additionally, guasha also has the effect of unblocking the meridians. If symptoms of muscle soreness occur after infection with the novel coronavirus, guasha can also help alleviate these symptoms.
Final Review: Jiang Heming
Editor: Xie Zhili
Source: Jinhua